An annual festival celebrating Lithuania’s capital of Vilnius drew crowds from near and far on the first weekend of September. Vilniusites and guests were invited to a decades old tradition, this year a prequel to the 700th anniversary of Vilnius (in 2023), and featured a wide array of creative exhibitions and performances in music, literature, visual arts and technology. The program included original music programs, designs, sports, family activities and food.
The opening night concert in Cathedral Square featured beloved Lithuanian singer Marijonas Mikutavicius, with Eurovision star Cornelia Jakobs of Sweden, and Lithuanian singer Justinas Jarutis drawing massive crowds.
Meetings with various popular authors took place outside the National theatre, and the main street (Gedimino prospektas) buzzed with a wide variety of artistic, musical, sports, and culinary presentations and activities. A laser show over the Neris River fascinated onlookers at midnight on Saturday, and an event for race car fans was held on Constitution Street on Sunday, September 3. All events were free of charge.
